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Planter-Cladded Modules with Green Roofs for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Siew hui Tung, Theresa ai min Thia
Planter-Cladded Modules with Green Roofs for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with planter-cladded mesh and a green roof, this modular housing initiative promotes sustainable urban living while fostering community interaction among residents in Kuala Lumpur.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for flexible expansion and adaptability in urban settings.
02
Planter-cladded mesh not only enhances aesthetics but also fosters community interaction.
03
Green roofs contribute to urban agriculture and biodiversity within the city.
04
Timber framing reduces the ecological footprint while providing structural integrity.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems support off-grid living and sustainability.

Hyf is a modular housing project located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, designed to meet the challenges of high-density urban living. It provides affordable and community-focused housing options in an environment increasingly defined by towering buildings. The project takes its inspiration from the hexagonal shape of honeycombs, which symbolizes efficiency and community connection. This design emphasizes organization and interaction among residents.

Concept and Geometry

The design features a linear-hexagonal form that promotes links between housing units while adapting to various site conditions. This shape optimizes space usage and encourages social interactions among residents. The configuration allows for flexibility and scalability, which are essential in meeting different living needs in an urban setting.

Sustainable Features

Hyf includes a semi-outdoor working space surrounded by mesh that incorporates planters. This design allows residents to engage with greenery and interact with one another, enhancing their living experience. Inside, the spaces are organized to suit the daily routines of young professionals, ensuring a comfortable and functional environment that also looks appealing.

Materiality and Construction

Sustainability plays a key role in the choice of materials for Hyf. Timber framing is used for its strength and aesthetic charm, adding warmth to the housing units. The integration of a green roof not only provides insulation but also supports urban gardening and encourages biodiversity in the city.

Green Systems

Rainwater harvesting systems and photovoltaic energy installations are also part of the design, supporting off-grid living. These elements work together to lower the environmental impact of residents and underscore the commitment to sustainable living practices. Their inclusion enhances the structure's practicality while addressing broader ecological concerns.

The arrangement of planter-cladded mesh introduces a unique visual aspect, allowing nature to play a role in everyday life. It creates interactions between private and shared spaces, bridging gaps in community living.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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